Hello all!
First off, I note how wonderful it was to have Cat back on this blog. For those of you who are unfamiliar with us, we met a couple years ago in our first drama class at UC Irvine. We bonded instantly and have been the best of friends ever since. I love having her on this blog and I look forward to many more postings by her (hint, hint).
Anyway, Thanksgiving is over and it's time to celebrate the gift giving season! Ok, we all know Christmas isn't about gifts (except to celebrate the ultimate gift of Jesus!) but it's a great time to show people around you how much you appreciate them.
I've been thinking for a few days now about what gifts to get the wonderful people who are supporting and working for my acting career (agents, manager and acting coaches). Much like getting gifts for a co-worker, it's hard to think of something appropriate for everyone, cost effective and not cheesy. I think I've finally thought up something and I'm excited to make it (yep, some DIY time).
I was completely inspired by this blog post http://www.younghouselove.com/2010/11/thanks-glassing/ and I LOVE the way the etched apothecary jar looks. So now I'm planning on buying a bunch of apothecary jars, etching each recipient's name on there, filling them up with salt water taffy (I mean, who doesn't love salt water taffy? Plus it's hard to find unless you live right by the beach) and finishing them off with a pretty ribbon.
I can't wait to see how they turn out! I'll try to post pictures once I'm finished (unless they turn out horribly).
Wish me luck!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Hello. Is Your Name "The Real World"?
Hello all.
So. You may not even remember me, but I am the other author of this blog. Diane has been regular and faithful, and I have - so many, many times - wished with all my heart that I had enough time to devote to one good writing session. But spare time for me in the past few weeks has been all but nonexistent.
Let me tell you why.
I got a job in October that by all accounts is definitely a blessing. It's part time, but it pays well enough, and I now have at least something to tithe from, which made my whole universe improve. You do not know how long I have been waiting to be able to give my 10%. It is something I am excited and happy and thankful to give.
I also go to school for music twice a week. I'm taking piano and voice, and I am loving it so much. I'm even going to play at this semester's honors recital! So excited.
Aaaaannnnd, I'm training to run a marathon in a year. A full-blown marathon. Yup, 26.2 miles of non-stop running. Why? Because my friend, who we shall name Ironman for conversation's sake (because he seriously can do it all when it comes to extreme fitness), made me promise him that I'd be his marathon buddy in a year. Oh yeah. And that we'd be running another one when we turned 108 years old, too.
So in-between all of this, my acting endeavors--which I threw myself into so passionately in the middle of the summer this year--seems to have taken a back seat, and I think that makes me very sad.
Because here's what happened after I graduated UC Irvine and moved back to the Bay Area:
August: Was an extra for a indie film in which I got to wear my prom dress for a Winter Formal scene. The film was a modern-day take on Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing." The pay wasn't great, and it was a night shoot, but the boathouse was beautiful, I got to wear that pink dress that I love so much again, and I was definitely in a lot of scenes. A win-win all around.
September: I auditioned for and got cast as the lead female role in an epic short film shot in Monterey, CA. It was set in the future, and I was a detention-facility escapee trying to find my individuality. It was a poignant and intelligent film about memory and identity; and though it was short, it was incredible.
Also in September: I was a better-paid extra in the new Brad Pitt film "Moneyball," which is about the Oakland A's. Another night shoot (16 hours to be exact), but we were fed, paid, and got to cheer in our A's gear. Oh yeah, and free hot cocoa! Another win-win :)
October: I was asked to participate in a two-week product trial for a new acne skin-clearing device, and was told that if the product worked for me, they would ask me to give a testimonial in an infomercial. I got to keep the device for free, it worked for me, and they paid me to participate in the infomercial, which was shot near Marin county, and which was a blast. They said it was going to air on national TV, and possibly go international, so if you see anything for the no!no! skin device (weird name, but the product is fabulous!), let me know.
Lastly, I auditioned for an SF talent agency, and they signed me on. Still though, it's been about a month and half and still no auditions. I keep telling myself that SF is a much smaller market than LA, but a part of me still wishes there was more to do than wait around and hope.
So right now, my life has been ALL about work, school, and church. With the holidays coming up, we now have Christmas choir rehearsals, health seminars, fundraisers, and volunteering to do...and my church days are packed to the gills. With work, it's 3-4 days a week of 10-12 hour days of marketing and office time and travel time; and though I love my co-workers and my leaders and my manager, it can get tiring. My body has had to do some adjusting, that's for sure. And with school - let's just say that learning piano is not something you can do without practicing. A lot. Neither is singing. Enough said.
And them the gym. And running. Try waking up to the alarm and realizing that between your school and off days (what ARE those, anyways?? Off days??), you still must find time to keep your word to Ironman about that marathon, who lovingly kicks your butt in workouts 2-3 times a week.
I was talking with my mom the other day (something I do often and never take for granted, I LOVE my mom), and she said, "You're in shock, in transition. You just graduated, and this is the "real world." You were a student for so long, and now you have more responsibility, and that of a different kind, for that matter. Give yourself time to adjust to the unknown. It's always the unknown that's the scariest."
So. This is the "real world." I long to be back in the "real world of pretend," but for now, it seems like that's on hold for maybe just a bit. Hopefully not for too long.
Sometimes I am so, so sad. I want things to happen a certain way, or I dream for them to be a certain way, and when it seems like they aren't, I get discouraged. But there is just too much on my mind to think about myself...I have a family to help, and for now, that needs to come first...*sigh*
What do I do???
Well, let's not get depressed...so! You may ask how do I get my acting fix when the market is biding its time? I watch movies. I study acting, on-screen and off. I people-watch. And I talk to SO many different kinds of people at work all the time that it's impossible to not get better at improv...or at the very least, gain more confidence.
I sing karaoke, I sing for my classes; I do random skits with my brothers, I do actor impersonations. I write when I can, and I always have a good screenplay storyline brewing on the back-burner of my creative side.
Most importantly, I know God's timing is His own, and that I'm just one piece of His lovely mosaic. I can't see the big picture. I'm one person, living one life. But God sees the kaleidoscope...He sees what goes where and at what time. And He's in control. My job is to trust in Him, forever and for always.
My human self sometimes dwells on the negative far too much. Blame it on sin. But I am trying with all my might to exalt God above all else, and know that when He says something, His word will never come back empty. So if I serve Him and Him alone, all the rest will fall into place.
I love you, Lord. And all my life, I live for you.
There are no other hands I'd rather be in than His.
... ... ...
I'll try and make it so that I'm not a complete stranger next time ;) This means writing more often, doesn't it, Diane? Haha, I'll be back soon :)
Love always,
Catherine
So. You may not even remember me, but I am the other author of this blog. Diane has been regular and faithful, and I have - so many, many times - wished with all my heart that I had enough time to devote to one good writing session. But spare time for me in the past few weeks has been all but nonexistent.
Let me tell you why.
I got a job in October that by all accounts is definitely a blessing. It's part time, but it pays well enough, and I now have at least something to tithe from, which made my whole universe improve. You do not know how long I have been waiting to be able to give my 10%. It is something I am excited and happy and thankful to give.
I also go to school for music twice a week. I'm taking piano and voice, and I am loving it so much. I'm even going to play at this semester's honors recital! So excited.
Aaaaannnnd, I'm training to run a marathon in a year. A full-blown marathon. Yup, 26.2 miles of non-stop running. Why? Because my friend, who we shall name Ironman for conversation's sake (because he seriously can do it all when it comes to extreme fitness), made me promise him that I'd be his marathon buddy in a year. Oh yeah. And that we'd be running another one when we turned 108 years old, too.
So in-between all of this, my acting endeavors--which I threw myself into so passionately in the middle of the summer this year--seems to have taken a back seat, and I think that makes me very sad.
Because here's what happened after I graduated UC Irvine and moved back to the Bay Area:
August: Was an extra for a indie film in which I got to wear my prom dress for a Winter Formal scene. The film was a modern-day take on Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing." The pay wasn't great, and it was a night shoot, but the boathouse was beautiful, I got to wear that pink dress that I love so much again, and I was definitely in a lot of scenes. A win-win all around.
September: I auditioned for and got cast as the lead female role in an epic short film shot in Monterey, CA. It was set in the future, and I was a detention-facility escapee trying to find my individuality. It was a poignant and intelligent film about memory and identity; and though it was short, it was incredible.
Also in September: I was a better-paid extra in the new Brad Pitt film "Moneyball," which is about the Oakland A's. Another night shoot (16 hours to be exact), but we were fed, paid, and got to cheer in our A's gear. Oh yeah, and free hot cocoa! Another win-win :)
October: I was asked to participate in a two-week product trial for a new acne skin-clearing device, and was told that if the product worked for me, they would ask me to give a testimonial in an infomercial. I got to keep the device for free, it worked for me, and they paid me to participate in the infomercial, which was shot near Marin county, and which was a blast. They said it was going to air on national TV, and possibly go international, so if you see anything for the no!no! skin device (weird name, but the product is fabulous!), let me know.
Lastly, I auditioned for an SF talent agency, and they signed me on. Still though, it's been about a month and half and still no auditions. I keep telling myself that SF is a much smaller market than LA, but a part of me still wishes there was more to do than wait around and hope.
So right now, my life has been ALL about work, school, and church. With the holidays coming up, we now have Christmas choir rehearsals, health seminars, fundraisers, and volunteering to do...and my church days are packed to the gills. With work, it's 3-4 days a week of 10-12 hour days of marketing and office time and travel time; and though I love my co-workers and my leaders and my manager, it can get tiring. My body has had to do some adjusting, that's for sure. And with school - let's just say that learning piano is not something you can do without practicing. A lot. Neither is singing. Enough said.
And them the gym. And running. Try waking up to the alarm and realizing that between your school and off days (what ARE those, anyways?? Off days??), you still must find time to keep your word to Ironman about that marathon, who lovingly kicks your butt in workouts 2-3 times a week.
I was talking with my mom the other day (something I do often and never take for granted, I LOVE my mom), and she said, "You're in shock, in transition. You just graduated, and this is the "real world." You were a student for so long, and now you have more responsibility, and that of a different kind, for that matter. Give yourself time to adjust to the unknown. It's always the unknown that's the scariest."
So. This is the "real world." I long to be back in the "real world of pretend," but for now, it seems like that's on hold for maybe just a bit. Hopefully not for too long.
Sometimes I am so, so sad. I want things to happen a certain way, or I dream for them to be a certain way, and when it seems like they aren't, I get discouraged. But there is just too much on my mind to think about myself...I have a family to help, and for now, that needs to come first...*sigh*
What do I do???
Well, let's not get depressed...so! You may ask how do I get my acting fix when the market is biding its time? I watch movies. I study acting, on-screen and off. I people-watch. And I talk to SO many different kinds of people at work all the time that it's impossible to not get better at improv...or at the very least, gain more confidence.
I sing karaoke, I sing for my classes; I do random skits with my brothers, I do actor impersonations. I write when I can, and I always have a good screenplay storyline brewing on the back-burner of my creative side.
Most importantly, I know God's timing is His own, and that I'm just one piece of His lovely mosaic. I can't see the big picture. I'm one person, living one life. But God sees the kaleidoscope...He sees what goes where and at what time. And He's in control. My job is to trust in Him, forever and for always.
My human self sometimes dwells on the negative far too much. Blame it on sin. But I am trying with all my might to exalt God above all else, and know that when He says something, His word will never come back empty. So if I serve Him and Him alone, all the rest will fall into place.
I love you, Lord. And all my life, I live for you.
There are no other hands I'd rather be in than His.
... ... ...
I'll try and make it so that I'm not a complete stranger next time ;) This means writing more often, doesn't it, Diane? Haha, I'll be back soon :)
Love always,
Catherine
Friday, November 12, 2010
Getting Over Rejection
You know what makes me happiest after being rejected?
Guess...
Exercise?
Nope. I've been working out everyday for the past 2 weeks
Chocolate?
Nope. Too short term
Another audition?
Bingo! I'm all set for another audition tomorrow and I'm all ready to move on.
All is right in the world again :)
Guess...
Exercise?
Nope. I've been working out everyday for the past 2 weeks
Chocolate?
Nope. Too short term
Another audition?
Bingo! I'm all set for another audition tomorrow and I'm all ready to move on.
All is right in the world again :)
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
The Working Actress
Whew...so yesterday's blog was kind of depressing, but I write about everything, the good and the bad.
Today I was reading over old blog entries of The Working Actress (if you haven't read her blog yet, read it! It's amazing!)
http://theworkingactress.blogspot.com
And I realize that these feelings are perfectly natural. I'm not depressed...I'm an actress!
And eventually, I will book something.
In the meantime, I'm trying to throw myself into work, because I currently have too much time on my hands in which I wallow in self pity.
Today I was reading over old blog entries of The Working Actress (if you haven't read her blog yet, read it! It's amazing!)
http://theworkingactress.blogspot.com
And I realize that these feelings are perfectly natural. I'm not depressed...I'm an actress!
And eventually, I will book something.
In the meantime, I'm trying to throw myself into work, because I currently have too much time on my hands in which I wallow in self pity.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
The (Pessimistic) Reality of Acting
When I entered into acting and was initially met with some small successes, I was so optimistic about the industry. I thought I would be one of those cool lucky ones that Hollywood would embrace with open arms. I had huge starry eyes and everything was just great and dandy. A year and a half later, I'm not so optimistic anymore. I'm finally playing with the big boys, meeting all of the big agencies and big casting directors and today it hit me: this industry is ridiculous!
It doesn't matter that they initially thought you were perfect. It doesn't matter that you paid a ridiculous amount to coach with one of Hollywood's best coaches (who is "exclusive and by referral only"...so silly). It doesn't matter that they loved your reading. It doesn't matter that you did your research for hours. Because, sometimes, despite pouring all of yourself into a role, it comes down to your look. Or your hair color. Or because they think you're too old. Or too young. Or your voice. Or that skirt you're wearing. Or because they already have someone that looks like you.
It's absolutely ridiculous.
People say to grow a tough skin in Hollywood, but I've never been one to take emotions lightly. I love that I can find joy in the smallest things in life (like the fact that I got to park over a freeway with the prettiest view. So awesome). But the flip side is that I feel bad things more greatly than other people too.
I think it's that greater sensitivity that makes me an actress. It doesn't take much motivation for me to really feel emotion. For years I couldn't read a Hallmark card without crying.
All of that works in my favor, until it's time to deal with the business side. The side that says people will reject you and give you a reason for rejecting you that you can't fix. Over and over and over. How does one deal with that without growing a tough skin? And if you become immune to emotion, how can one adequately act?
In addition to all of that confusion, my stakes feel so great. Any one of these series regular roles could be life changing. It's the difference between being a starving artist with two support jobs and being a prosperous working actress. How can someone raise the stakes that much and not expect actors to feel emotion when being rejected?
I don't have the answers and I'm still learning. Learning how to not get attached to projects, though I put hours of preparation into it. Learning how to trust that eventually something will come up that I am right for. Learning how to believe that I will work in this industry again, hopefully in a big way.
This is the real reality of acting. Something I always heard about, but never believed it would happen to me. Something that every actor goes through. Even the ones you think are successful and are frequent bookers.
But despite knowing this first hand, I can't help but still be optimistic about the future. Because I'm a dreamer. I'm an artist. I'm an actor. And I love what I do, rejections and all.
It doesn't matter that they initially thought you were perfect. It doesn't matter that you paid a ridiculous amount to coach with one of Hollywood's best coaches (who is "exclusive and by referral only"...so silly). It doesn't matter that they loved your reading. It doesn't matter that you did your research for hours. Because, sometimes, despite pouring all of yourself into a role, it comes down to your look. Or your hair color. Or because they think you're too old. Or too young. Or your voice. Or that skirt you're wearing. Or because they already have someone that looks like you.
It's absolutely ridiculous.
People say to grow a tough skin in Hollywood, but I've never been one to take emotions lightly. I love that I can find joy in the smallest things in life (like the fact that I got to park over a freeway with the prettiest view. So awesome). But the flip side is that I feel bad things more greatly than other people too.
I think it's that greater sensitivity that makes me an actress. It doesn't take much motivation for me to really feel emotion. For years I couldn't read a Hallmark card without crying.
All of that works in my favor, until it's time to deal with the business side. The side that says people will reject you and give you a reason for rejecting you that you can't fix. Over and over and over. How does one deal with that without growing a tough skin? And if you become immune to emotion, how can one adequately act?
In addition to all of that confusion, my stakes feel so great. Any one of these series regular roles could be life changing. It's the difference between being a starving artist with two support jobs and being a prosperous working actress. How can someone raise the stakes that much and not expect actors to feel emotion when being rejected?
I don't have the answers and I'm still learning. Learning how to not get attached to projects, though I put hours of preparation into it. Learning how to trust that eventually something will come up that I am right for. Learning how to believe that I will work in this industry again, hopefully in a big way.
This is the real reality of acting. Something I always heard about, but never believed it would happen to me. Something that every actor goes through. Even the ones you think are successful and are frequent bookers.
But despite knowing this first hand, I can't help but still be optimistic about the future. Because I'm a dreamer. I'm an artist. I'm an actor. And I love what I do, rejections and all.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Pilot Happy
Woah, is it the start of pilot season already? Last week I went to audition for a pilot for Nickelodeon and today I just got a call from my manager to audition for a series regular for another pilot, this one for ABC Family.
I'm super excited about all of these great auditions, and I'm praying I book one soon!
I'll keep you updated on how it goes!
I'm super excited about all of these great auditions, and I'm praying I book one soon!
I'll keep you updated on how it goes!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Preparation is Key!
I'm a commuter. I've always been a commuter. I commuted each day to college and now I commute several times a week to L.A.
The problem with commuting is you can never go home to grab something you forgot. Which means you always have to be prepared. All the time. For anything. No more last-minute resume printing or forgetting a headshot on a way to an audition
So after a year and a half, I finally turned my car into a proper actor-mobile. Here's how I do it:
The box:
I have a box in the back of my car with all of the actor essentials
-Headshots (all of mine go into my car)
-Scissors
-Staples
-Wet wipes
-Water bottles
-Snacks
-GPS & charger
-Phone charger
The folder:
-Agent/Manager contact info
-Many pre-cut resumes for both my agent and manager
-Two or three of each headshot
-Sides
-Size card
-Casting Frontier barcode
-Words of inspiration (because you'll need it as you sit there in the waiting room)
-Agent/Manager contracts and policy papers
-Directions
-Receipts (for gas, expenses, ect.)
The Purse:
-Mini Stapler
-Pen
-Pencil
-Highlighter
-Enough makeup to look camera ready at anytime
-Bobby pins and hair ties
-Driver's license
-Coins for parking meters
And with all of this in my car, I'm never unprepared!
The problem with commuting is you can never go home to grab something you forgot. Which means you always have to be prepared. All the time. For anything. No more last-minute resume printing or forgetting a headshot on a way to an audition
So after a year and a half, I finally turned my car into a proper actor-mobile. Here's how I do it:
The box:
I have a box in the back of my car with all of the actor essentials
-Headshots (all of mine go into my car)
-Scissors
-Staples
-Wet wipes
-Water bottles
-Snacks
-GPS & charger
-Phone charger
The folder:
-Agent/Manager contact info
-Many pre-cut resumes for both my agent and manager
-Two or three of each headshot
-Sides
-Size card
-Casting Frontier barcode
-Words of inspiration (because you'll need it as you sit there in the waiting room)
-Agent/Manager contracts and policy papers
-Directions
-Receipts (for gas, expenses, ect.)
The Purse:
-Mini Stapler
-Pen
-Pencil
-Highlighter
-Enough makeup to look camera ready at anytime
-Bobby pins and hair ties
-Driver's license
-Coins for parking meters
And with all of this in my car, I'm never unprepared!
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